§ 22. Mr. L. SMITHasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether his attention has been called to the recent acceptance by the Singapore Municipal Commission of a tender by a Japanese firm, against which British firms were competing, for the supply of heavy cast-iron pipes; and whether he proposes to make any representations in this connection?
§ 25. Mr. HERBERT WILLIAMSasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that the Singapore municipal water department have placed within the last 12 months a large order for cast-iron water-pipes with a Japanese firm; and, if so, whether he will make representations to this municipality as to the desirability, whenever possible, of placing orders for such material in the United Kingdom?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for the COLONIES (Sir Philip Cunliffe-Lister)I am informed by the Governor of the Straits Settlements that no order for cast-iron water-pipes has been placed by the Singapore Municipal Commissioners with a Japanese firm.
§ Mr. WILLIAMSIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Lloyd's Committee claim in their annual report much satisfaction because they were appointed to inspect the manufacture of these pipes in Japan and that they have gained some benefit by this order?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERI do not know what anybody has obtained, but I have made inquiries from the Governor of Singapore and the reply was that no order had been placed.